A renowned Liberian educator, Dr. John T. Wulu, Jr., has named the intervention of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as Liberia’s pathway and tool to economic recovery, poverty alleviation and global accelerator to sustainable development, urging the Government of Liberia and students to prioritize it.
Delivering a keynote address at a combined high school graduation recently, Dr. Wulu said President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his government have expressed commitment to rescue Liberia via the ‘ARREST’ Agenda, where they intend to address connecting opportunities in agriculture, roads constructing and infrastructure development, improving the rule of law, and restructuring the education sector, improving sanitation and unlocking the potential of the tourism sector.
However, he said if the government wants to achieve sustainable development to compete with the globe, it should prioritize venturing into STEM and strengthen opportunities for Liberian students within such areas.
“Students should prioritize studying in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM] in the higher education arenas. I want to encourage all of you as graduates and now alumni of the Richard M. Nixon Institute to utilize your creativity to transform the communities in which you live and work. Always do good. It comes back to you in unexpected ways,” Dr. Wulu said.
The Liberian educator described the vision as welcoming, but urged that there is a need to provide practical, vocational and technical experiences to students and not just for students to dwell on the theories in their academic journeys.
He also recommended that the graduates work hard, smart, and stay disciplined and be patient and their time will come, but they should do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wulu said the University of Liberia is a publicly funded institution of higher learning authorized by the national government in 1851, and opened in 1862 as Liberia College, But “We are at a crossroad where decisions are expected to be made to yield sustainable and professional growth and transformation of the University of Liberia (UL).”
“I am proposing that a major paradigm shift, infrastructure development, and cultural changes in the workforce be swiftly implemented at the UL. It would be prudent for the various public universities with various charters and legislative acts in Liberia be placed under the umbrella of what should be termed as the “University System of Liberia,” he said.
According to him, he has noticed other public universities in Liberia and has also discussed information about the impact of other private and faith-based universities on the University of Liberia and the University System of Liberia to initiate in Liberia over the next few years.
“At the end of the school year (around the end of the Summer), at the RMNI Gala and Homecoming Events, our school system unites in celebration of the JMWSS community of students, alumni, administrators, teachers, and staff. Graduates, I look forward to seeing you all at the JMWSS Gala and Homecoming Events next year,” he said.
